Russian President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of attacking his official residence in Russia during targeted strikes.
Putin told President Donald Trump during a phone call on Monday that Ukraine allegedly attempted a drone strike on one of his official residences.
The call was the two leaders’ second conversation in as many days.
However, the claim was immediately denied by Ukrainian officials as false and politically motivated.
According to a Kremlin readout, Putin said Moscow would “adjust” its negotiating posture in response to the reported incident.
The statement signals that Russia may be preparing to take a harder line in ongoing discussions over a potential U.S.- and Ukraine-backed peace framework that has been under quiet negotiation for weeks.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed Russian air defenses intercepted 91 long-range drones.
The drone was allegedly headed toward the Dolgiye Borody presidential residence in Russia’s Novgorod region.
The property is located between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the allegation outright, however.
Zelensky is accusing Moscow of manufacturing a false flag narrative to justify further strikes.
In a post on X, Zelensky wrote:
“This alleged ‘residence strike’ story is a complete fabrication intended to justify additional attacks against Ukraine, including Kyiv, as well as Russia’s own refusal to take necessary steps to end the war.
“Typical Russian lies.
“Furthermore, the Russians have already targeted Kyiv in the past, including the Cabinet of Ministers building.”
“Ukraine does not take steps that can undermine diplomacy,” he continued.
“To the contrary, Russia always takes such steps.
“This is one of many differences between us.”
Reuters reported that Lavrov warned Moscow would retaliate over what he described as an attempted strike on Putin’s home in northern Russia.
The exchange comes as Trump and Putin are expected to meet in Alaska for direct discussions.
The engagement is seen as central to Washington’s effort to secure negotiated de-escalation after months of stalled diplomatic movement.
The competing claims highlight the deep distrust now shaping the conflict, even as U.S. officials continue to push for a diplomatic resolution.
Instead of signaling openness to compromise, Moscow’s statements suggest it may be preparing to move in the opposite direction by using the alleged incident to justify a tougher negotiating stance and potential escalation.
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